Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| amerikanisch | |
| US-amerikanisch | [uːˈʔɛsʔameʁiˌkaːnɪʃ] (narrow) |
The term refers to anything pertaining to the United States, its people or its culture. While amerikanisch is the standard adjective, you may also encounter the noun Amerikaner or Amerikanerin to refer to an inhabitant of the Americas. Note that in German cuisine, Amerikaner can also refer to certain pastries or cookies.
Which one should you use?
While amerikanisch is common, US-amerikanisch is used in formal or precise contexts to specify the United States and avoid confusion with the entire American continent.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, amerikanisch must take various endings (such as -e, -er, -es, -en) depending on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies. When referring to a person from the US, use the noun Amerikaner instead of the adjective amerikanisch.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective amerikanisch to refer to a person (e.g., Ich bin amerikanisch), whereas the noun Amerikaner should be used instead.
Did you know?
- In German, Amerikaner can refer to a soft, sponge-cake cookie often topped with chocolate glaze, which has nothing to do with the United States.
- The word amerikanisch is formed by combining the root Amerika with the suffix -anisch.
- The adjective amerikanisch changes its ending based on the grammatical case and gender of the noun it describes, unlike the static English word 'American'.
Examples in context
- Das ist typisch amerikanisch.It's as American as apple pie.This sentence shows how to use amerikanisch to describe something typical.Tatoeba #6152264 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4552682 by Hybrid
- Ich liebe amerikanische Filme.I love American movies.Tatoeba #7316093 by Yorwba, translation #253011 by CK
- Du bist ein amerikanischer Junge.You are an American boy.This sentence shows the adjective amerikanisch modifying a masculine noun.Tatoeba #10093437 by wolfgangth, translation #70226 by adjusting
- John ist ein Amerikaner.John is an American.
- Lisa ist eine US-Amerikanerin.Lisa is an American [female].
- Ich habe gestern einen Ami im Café getroffen.Yesterday, I met an American at the café.
- Ich habe gestern ein amerikanisches Paar getroffen.Yesterday, I met an American couple.
- 255 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing their favorite food at a cafe.
- HannahMagst du amerikanisches Essen, Julian?Do you like American food, Julian?
- JulianJa, ich liebe amerikanische Burger.Yes, I love American burgers.
- HannahIch finde amerikanische Küche auch toll.I also think American cuisine is great.
- JulianDann lass uns heute etwas Amerikanisches essen.Then let's eat something American today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “american” translations and entries amerikanisch, US-amerikanisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries US-amerikanisch, amerikanisch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
